But Sutton, the former Welsh cycling coach and 1978 Commonwealth Games team pursuit gold medallist, claims Thomas feels obliged to follow the Olympic route.

He’s one of the great bike riders out there at this moment in time

Shane SuttonGB Olympic cycling head coach

Speaking to BBC Wales for a forthcoming Olympic documentary, Sutton said: “I’ve always asked this question – and I’ve asked the same question as Sir Chris Hoy – G [Geraint] why would you want to go back and compete at the Olympics?

“And I personally think he’s doing it for the wrong reasons. I think he’s doing it for the people of Wales – you have to do this for yourself.

“But I actually think G is so iconic in this part of the world [Wales] that he feels the support he’s had over the years and the support he continues to get from everybody – it’s so massive I think he feels he has to return the favour.

“I think that’s probably not the right reason and the pressure that must be on him not to ride the Tour, he must be killing himself.”